The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the recent defections of some of its members ahead of the November 16, 2024, governorship election, describing them as “inconsequential.”

Kamoru Ajisafe, the PDP’s South-West zonal vice-chairman, made this statement while inaugurating the party’s newly constituted caretaker committee in Akure, the capital of Ondo state, on Monday.

This follows the defection of a former member of the House of Representatives and former governorship aspirant of the PDP, Hon. Kolade Akinjo, who, along with other prominent leaders of the opposition party, joined the APC in Ilaje last weekend.

However, Mr Ajisafe explained that the PDP is not discouraged by the prominent names leaving the party, particularly for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“When we started in Osun state, a lot of big names deserted us. The big names that are bigger than the ones you are hearing about in your state (Ondo) but today, the story has changed.

“Those that are leaving now have left a long time ago. So, it is now that they know that we can no longer tolerate their shenanigans that they are now leaving. We have the majority of their followers with us. Their departure is very inconsequential,” he said.

The PDP chieftain emphasised that despite the defections, the PDP remains the party to beat in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

While urging party members to remain steadfast, Mr Ajisafe called on the people of the state to cast their votes for the opposition party and ensure those votes are protected.

“I trust President Bola Tinubu will not do anything to undermine this democracy. What I am saying is that direct falsification of results will not occur.

“You know the history of Ondo State when it comes to the manipulation of election results. The people will not stand for it.”

Earlier, the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate, Agboola Ajayi, noted that the people of the state would not forgive the PDP if the party failed to win the forthcoming election.

He also expressed his readiness for the challenge ahead, assuring the party’s leadership in the South-West zone that they would form the next government in the state after the November election.

Recall that the PDP last week constituted the caretaker committee for the state chapter of the opposition party, with the responsibility of piloting the affairs of the party in Ondo state as stipulated in Section 21(2) (a-b) of its constitution for a period not exceeding 90 days (three months) or until a new executive committee is elected.

Members of the committee are as follows: Bakkita Olufowobi Bello (chairman), Oluseye Judes Olujimi (secretary), Tola Alabere (member), Dayo Awude (member), Bobby Omotosho (member), Fadope Amos Oniosayo (member), Olawumi Owolabi Fasonu (member), Moses Awofade (member).

Others include Boluwaji Bamidele (member), Kennedy Peretei (member), Adebayo Abiodun Ibrahim (member), Dare Akinwale (member), Kemisola Adesanya (member), and Babatunde Daudu (member).